COVID-19 and grief

The current pandemic (COVID-19) and the public focus on death may bring up painful or traumatic memories. Social distancing measures also mean people may now be cut off from their usual support networks, intensifying their grief and loneliness.

People are also being bereaved as a result of COVID-19. Because we are being asked to stay at home to help prevent the spread of the virus and because of hospital and care home visiting restrictions, some people do not have the chance to spend time with the person who is dying or say goodbye.

To acknowledge this, Dying Matters has launched the #BeforeTheirTime campaign encouraging people to share their experiences and discuss their feelings.

Support in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Grief is a natural response to loss that many people will cope with through support from family and friends. However, if you want to talk to someone else about your grief, there are services, organisations and community groups that can help you.

An updated guide to bereavement support in our area has been published by the local Clinical Commissioning Group.

This leaflet lists the main services across our area, including hospital and hospice bereavement services as well as local and national organisations offering support for people who have lost a loved one.

NHS Talking Therapies

If you're in a crisis and need urgent help

Call 111 and press option 2 for the First Response Service - a 24-hour service for people in a mental health crisis. This service is for anyone, of any age, who is registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.

Call Samaritans on freephone 116 123 – they're always open and are there to listen

Kooth

Lifeline/Lifeline Plus

Mental health and wellbeing helpline for people aged 18+ and living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Monday-Friday 9am -2pm via freephone 0808 808 2121. The line will support people to manage their wellbeing, provide self-help advice or signpost to other organisations for particular concerns.

Between 2pm and 11pm, seven days a week, the same number becomes Lifeline and provides support for those in mental health distress: 0808 808 2121.

Find support on social media

Lots of people have set up their own online communities or accounts exploring grief and bereavement.

These groups can be particularly helpful if you’re waiting for NHS support or are currently unable to access traditional support because of COVID-19.

Tell us your experience of end of life and bereavement services

Have you or your family been affected by COVID-19? Or have you used end of life or bereavement support services?

We would like to hear your experiences. It could be praise for a local hospital, hospice or care home, a particular member of staff or a local bereavement service that has helped you manage your grief.

It only takes five minutes to tell us and your feedback can help NHS and social care services understand the steps they can take to improve care for you and your loved ones.